Bush to speak at 11:15 EDT (O'Connor)

[daviscupper]

I like that idea better. Lindsey has become something of a "McVain-lite" as of late. However, that concerns me also. Would he change stripes as a Justice. Yikes!

[Theodore R.]

Only three senators opposed the nomination of Ruth Ginsburg, and nine opposed Souter. I could not find the names but seem to recall that Helms voted against both and Dole-Hatch-Specter FOR both.

[BigEdLB]

How about Alex Kozinski of the 9th circuit apptd by Reagan?
Age 55

[Theodore R.]

Souter was recommended by John Sununu (Sr.), and conservatives accepted the choice without doing their homework. One who correctly gauged Souter (and O'Connor too for that matter) was Howard Phillips.

[ElPatriota]

I (ALSO) HAVE A DREAM... [smile]

Boy! I just wonder if Bush realizes what THIS MEANS!!!!...? He could put himself in the Pantheon of great conservative presidents.... up there with Regan!.... if fact, he could even surpassed him... if he gets at least 2 decent conservative judges to the SC, that in itself will justify his ENTIRE EXISTENCE! Yes!... What an opportunity to affect the course of History like no one has been able in recent times!.. What a legacy he could leave... If has the stomach... the conviction to fight for everything that still worthwhile in this country... for GOD himself!... We have the votes... but we need a **LEADER** to accomplish it. And IF HE DOES... we might as well start building his statue to commemorate his greatness.. pz..... pz.........pz.............. don't wake me up... pleaaaaaaaase..... :)

[billbears]

I'm just telling you to expect it. I don't expect a conservative judge, an actual conservative, from this administration, any more than I expect to win the lottery. I gave up on the Republican party long ago

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

What happens if Rehnquist announces his retirement soon? The democrats will find themselves in a politically untenable position if they drag their feet, IMHO.

Actually, having O'Connor retire puts Democrats in a bind; rulings that would have gone their way 5-4 will tend to be stalemated 4-4 - leaving the ruling of the lower court standing but not setting a precedent.

Whenever Rehnquist retires it will put Republicans in a bind.

[MamaLucci]

My point was with respect to the democrat's continued obstruction......if there were two vacancies, that would make their already untenable position even more politically dangerous, IMHO.

[altura]

I thought the President was as mild in his accolades for Sandra as he could possibly have been and still be his usual gracious self.

I was, in fact, surprised.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Somehow I suspect if Bork were nominated..... it would be considered by the dem 7 to be "extroidinary circumstances".

Yes, just on principle - even though Bork, being two decades older than he was when nominated by Reagan, would actually be a more-or-less "moderate" choice in that he wouldn't be on the court so very long - giving the Democrats hope that Hillary would get to name his successor.

I doubt Bush names Bork in any event, but if he did it would be as a recess appointment, which is good only for a short time if not confirmed by the Senate after the recess. Since Bork is not otherwise engaged, he'd be a fine choice for that temporary gig.

[montag813]

I'm just telling you to expect it. I don't expect a conservative judge, an actual conservative, from this administration, any more than I expect to win the lottery.

It's all Conservatives have. I am not willing to give it up without a fight.

[warsaw44]

I agree.
I have been dreading a SC appointment for some time. Given the appalling lack of confidence and leadership our party has shown recently in Congress I think my fears are well founded.

We need a return of ' Cowboy Bush '. He needs to marshal the troops, make it known they need to get in line for this fight or there will be consequences.

Voinovich and Chaffey want to rebel? Fine. These clowns want to act like Democrats - treat them like Democrats. Scare the wits out of them. Let it be known W wont appear for any fund raising or support. Let it be known the party will find someone else to run and take their seat. Let it be known every damned concern of theirs will be ignored in Congress.

I'm tired of the ' hat in hand ' approach our reps in Congress have taken with the Democrats. These fools sling dung at us and America and we just stand there and grin
' Gee Whiz - thats okay - can't we all get along? '
Kill the damned filibuster - actually fight the Democrats in Congress and get us a conservative on the SC. W can get this done if he really wants to. Or he can make concessions, be ' compassionate W ' and sell us out with a so called Moderate.

Suppose it happens - W makes nice with these rodents and appoints a moderate. The backlash would be enormous. Confidence within our party has been rapidly eroding for some time and would plummet after such a Chamberlainesque sellout. The Democratic party would be ecstatic and highly motivated - we'd be demoralized and it would show in the 2006 election results. We could lose seats in Congress. We could see a third party emerge from the ranks of Republicans and Independents which would be an outright disaster in the 2008 election. Just roll out the Red Carpet for Hillary in that case. Do you suppose Hillary will make nice with any SC appointments? You think she'll want to join hands and sing a chorus of ' I love you, you love me - we're a happy family '. Forget it. So get it done W - please, just get it done.

[little jeremiah]

I agree 100%. It's butt kicking time.

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

No. But they have told me "Roger that", "BTTT", "I agree", "Spot on", and "You've got that right", etc.

Example:

And then, of course, there's Senator Edward Kennedy. And the folks at the Crawford Coffee Shop -- (laughter) -- would be somewhat shocked when I told them I actually like the fellow. (Laughter and applause.) He is a fabulous United States senator.-- President George Bush, Jan. 8, 2002

Case closed.

[tutstar]

Not that he'd stand a chance, but Judge Roy Moore sounds good to me.

[jveritas]

Stop lying. You and some of the other third party/Buchananite bitter losers have always hated President Bush guts. Stop making threats (last straw crap, etc...) because your opinion about President Bush and the GOP is so meaningless.

[Sprite518]

I agree. Forget the Dems they will never compromise.

[montag813]

Stop lying. You and some of the other third party/Buchananite bitter losers have always hated President Bush guts

Nice try. Actually it is Buchanan's guts which I hate. And I have never voted for a third party candidate in my life, nor will I. I voted for Bush twice. However a Gonzales nomination would be deeply disappointing.

[Cicero]

I don't advise voting third party. I generally have supported Bush. But on this issue there must be no compromise. Nominating Gonzalez would instandly destroy Bush's credibility among pro-lifers. This is a fundamental decision. There can be no compromise on judicial appointments.

I'm willing to give Bush the benefit of the doubt, but not on this.

[hoosiermama]

bump